Spain and Portugal for Visitors

The oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, founded in 1725 though the building is much older. Goya worked here as a dish washer. Excellent quality Castilian cuisine and even better value for money, but very popular with groups, so book ahead.

Old restaurant with good tapas in the C/ Huertas.

Restaurant on Madrid's Calle Mayor, founded in 1887, of most interest as it was from this building in 1906 that the anarchist Mateo Morral threw a bomb hidden in a bunch of flowers, in an attempt to assassinate King Alfonso XIII and his bride. The attempt failed, directly killing 23 bystanders and courtiers. Casa Ciriaco is a traditional casa de comidas, eating house, and if you are not expecting it can be uncomfortable - cramped tables, apparently surly waitresses, seemingly overpriced, but when you have got used to it, the atmosphere is authentic, the food is brilliant and the waitresses are positively maternal. In other words, give it a chance.

Said to be the favourite restaurant of King Juan Carlos.

Swedish and fusion food, including Swedish tapas.

Madrid restaurant chain, specializing in top-quality Argentinian beef. Excellent value for money.

Luis Candelas was a legendary 19th-century bandolero, highwayman, with a Robin-Hood kind of reputation among the people. If you have ever visited Madrid, you have almost certainly seen the restaurant which claims to occupy his old hideaway just south of the Plaza Mayor, indeed you have probably been put off by the fancy-dressed doorman, but it is a perfectly fine eatery specialising in Castilian / Madrileñan cuisine, and only a tad overpriced.

Classic Castilian fare in the Cava Baja.

Indian restaurant in the Salamanca district.